Monday, April 28, 2014

Have you ever experienced jaw pain or
clicking?How about the inability to
close your mouth normally?Neck pain and
shoulder pain?Headaches?Many people suffer from all kinds of pain in
the face, head, neck and shoulders without knowing what might be causing
it.Did you know researchers have found
that over 75%
of all the pain felt in the head, neck and face is muscle-related? Such pain symptoms may have been mysterious
in the past but it is now a known condition termed as TMJ or temporomandibular joint.The cause of TMD is not clear,
but dentists believe that symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of the
jaw or with the parts of the joint itself.Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and
neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash – can cause TMD. Other possible
causes include:

Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of
pressure on the TMJ

Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball
and socket

Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the
TMJ

Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and
jaw muscles or clench the teeth

Two years ago I experienced severe pain as my
jaw was locked in the open position.What
was I doing before this occurred; I was laughing at a friend’s joke and happened
to sneeze at the same time….. WHAM, instant pain.Luckily for me, I happened to be a past patient
of TheraCORE’s and remembered they offer complementary injury screenings without
a prescription from a doctor. After
calling the clinic the next morning, I was asked to come in so they could
evaluate my injury and help alleviate the pain.Heated ultrasound, massage, and The Graston Technique® were performed on
my neck and jaw to help release the tightened muscles that were preventing my
jaw from closing.It was explained to me
how physical therapy could be beneficial to help diminish my symptoms and
release my jaw from its locked position.They explained the process of faxing over a formal injury screening that
explains their findings and a recommended treatment plan to my primary care
physician or dentist.This process was
quick and I was able to start PT just a few days later.

At
the conclusion of my PT visits, I was pain free. I was provided with helpful tips that will
help keep TMJ symptoms at bay.These
included:

Avoid eating
anything that requires my jaw to open greater than an inch, cut into smaller
bites

I’m not perfect and occasionally I find
myself chewing a piece of gum out of habit, but I have been educated on my
condition and have been given home exercises that will help prevent a severe relapse
in the future.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Often times, we are introduced to the idea of physical therapy in a
doctors’ office due to an injury or pain. The doctor tells us that we need to
go see a physical therapist and hands us a prescription with orders for
therapy. Most of us will end up going wherever our doctor sends us. Many people
don’t know that it is their choice as to where they go for physical therapy.
Just like finding the right doctor, finding the right physical therapist is
very important. Where were they educated? Do they stay up to date on new
information and findings in their field? Do they have a hands-on approach, or
will you be handed off to an aide or a technician? What kind of facility do
they work in? Do they have modern equipment?

The goal at TheraCORE Physical Therapy is to always have experienced
therapists delivering personalized care to their patients. Treatments are based
on up to date research, using modern equipment, in a welcoming atmosphere. …
I’ve known that for nearly six years. I was the first employee hired, when
TheraCORE opened in June of 2008. I have spent countless hours marketing the
company’s mission throughout the years.

Recently I found myself looking at things from a different perspective.
I was having severe pain in my low back and hips. I needed physical therapy. After
going through the process as a patient, I can be empathetic to the questions
and concerns of others. How much does my insurance actually cover? How am I
going to have time to go to physical therapy 2 or 3 times a week? Who is this
person that is treating me? How much is this really going to help… is it really
worth it? I want to encourage anyone who finds themselves being referred to
physical therapy to be sure that you know the company and therapist you are
trusting your care to. Get your questions about insurance coverage and out of
pocket costs answered by the office manager. See to it that your therapist is
well educated in the condition you are being treated for. I know that life is
busy. It IS worth it. Make the time. Having the capability to go through life
without pain will enable you to take a more active role in whatever it is you
are worried about missing due to your therapy appointments.

I’m lucky. I have been treated by all of the therapists at TheraCORE. I
am more than confident in their abilities and level of compassion. Today, I am
happy to say, I am pain free.

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About TheraCORE

TheraCORE Physical Therapy was established in 2008, by two Doctors of Physical Therapy, with one significant goal in mind: To have experienced therapists deliver personalized care to their patients. This means you will be cared for, at every visit, by a licensed professional who has a working relationship with your physician.